Car accidents are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the U.S., accounting for 50 to 70 percent of annual cases. While some cases are mild and only affect mental capacity for a short time, many cases are serious and can lead to a coma or death. TBI constitutes a severe injury from a car accident, meaning you can work with a car accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale to seek compensation under Florida law.
Caregivers and loved ones should know how to spot the signs of a traumatic brain injury in order to ensure timely treatment. And because TBI can present itself a while after injury, it’s crucial that car accident victims seek medical attention immediately.
Here’s what you need to know about TBI, its symptoms, and your rights to file a lawsuit if you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to a car accident.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries can be caused by many means, but here are three examples of common causes:
- A severe blow to the head
- A violent jolt of the body or head
- An object, such as a bullet, shattering the skull
When the brain sustains such a serious blow or disruption, it cannot function as it normally would. Long-term effects of such an injury include cognitive problems, social problems, changes in behavior and emotion, sensory issues, and degenerative brain problems like Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The risk of suffering a TBI increases as people age, especially after age 30. People aged 60 and older are at the highest risk of suffering a TBI.
What Are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Symptoms of a TBI can be hard to spot because they are typically common conditions that can be attributed to many issues. When you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident or motorcycle accident, you should monitor your symptoms closely and watch out for the following:
- Headache
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dazed, disoriented or confused
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Speech problems
- Balance problems
- Insomnia
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Feeling anxious or depressed
- Memory problems
- Blurred vision
When a child sustains a TBI, it can be even more difficult to spot signs and symptoms because children may struggle to communicate symptoms. Here are some additional symptoms to be on the lookout for if your child sustains a head injury:
- Change in eating habits
- Irritability
- Persistent crying
- Altered sleep
- Seizures
- Drowsiness
- Lack of interest in toys or normal activities that typically bring the child joy
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
As we mentioned before, the leading cause of TBI is motor vehicle accidents. However, other common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Motorcycle accidents
- Sports accidents
- Violence
- Falls
- Injuries in combat
You should contact your medical provider immediately if you suffer one of these common TBI accidents. If nothing else, your medical provider will arm you with information about how to spot the signs and symptoms of serious injury so you’ll know when to call an ambulance or seek further care.
What to Do If a Loved One Suffers a Traumatic Brain Injury
If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident, it’s imperative that you seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Even if you think you feel fine after an accident, you might have late-onset injuries. Your Florida auto insurance should cover 80 percent of your medical bills, up to $10,000 or more if you’ve selected increased coverage.
Traumatic brain injuries can be late-onset, meaning that you feel fine at the scene of the accident, but a few hours later, you’re suffering from multiple symptoms associated with this severe injury. The longer injuries to the brain go unaddressed, the more serious and long-term damage they can cause.
Even if you did not seek medical care immediately after the accident and you begin experiencing TBI symptoms later on, you should call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. It’s possible that your doctor will see no signs of an injury after an accident, but you’ll present symptoms a few hours or days later. Trust your instincts and see a medical professional right away.
After you or your loved one has sought out medical care, your next step should be to contact a Fort Lauderdale attorney specializing in auto accidents. The legal team at Goldman & Daszkal will work closely with you to evaluate your case and determine whether you are entitled to additional compensation for your injuries.
Find a Car Accident Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
No one should have to recover from a traumatic brain injury alone while burdened by mounting medical costs and additional challenges. A car accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale can help you seek proper compensation if you’ve sustained a TBI from a car accident. Motorcycle accidents also carry a significant risk of TBI, meaning you could need a motorcycle accident attorney. At the law firm of Goldman & Daszkal, our attentive attorneys have years of experience working with all manner of cases involving auto accidents.
The cost of a long-term brain injury can be enormous and crippling to the average person’s financial situation. Discussing your situation with an attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure your medical bills get paid.
Allow Goldman & Daszkal to help you through this challenging time. Our experienced motorcycle and car accident attorneys are available to assist you. Contact us for a free consultation.